Grand Manors, Harry Potter, and Afternoon Tea

Leave the bustle of London behind as you head deep into the countryside on an adventure through Essex and Suffolk. The leafy lanes and rural sights will feel a million miles from the city, yet they're all within easy distance on this 3-day road trip.

Your first stop is the majestic house of Audley End. It's one of England's finest mansions and is a great example of a Victorian country home. You can explore the magnificent state rooms and see how the other half used to live, as well as learning about the families who have resided here through the centuries. Highlights include Lady Braybrooke's private apartments, the nursery, and of course the grand hall. Before leaving, head outside and take a turn around the grounds, just like the Victorians used to do. You'll discover manicured gardens and sweeping lawns that were designed by Capability Brown, as well as a fountain and even a temple folly hidden away in the parkland.
Book tickets on the English Heritage website. Members can enter for free, and there is parking available on site.
House Open Hours: Daily: 10:30 - 16:00
Gardens Open Hours: Daily: 10:00 - 18:00

Continue your journey to Lavenham and park in the centre of the village. If the spaces here are full, there is plenty of on-street parking nearby.

Lavenham Guildhall is one of the best-preserved timber-framed houses in the country. Sitting on a pretty square, it's now a museum welcoming visitors who are curious to discover more about the village's Tudor history. The exhibition tells the story of how Lavenham became a wealthy wool trading town, through the eyes of those who lived and worked here over the centuries.
For more information and ticket prices visit the Lavenham Guildhall website. National Trust members can enter for free.
Open Hours: April - August: Daily from 10:30 - 16:00 September - October: Tuesday - Sunday from 10:30 - 16:00 November - March: Friday - Sunday from 10:30 - 16:00

One of the quirkiest, and most photographed properties in Lavenham is The Crooked House. Standing at a jaunty angle on the High Street, this colorful timber-beamed house dates from 1395 and is a bit of an icon in Suffolk. The former medieval hall house was built with wealth from the village's thriving wool trade, and may even have been visited by royalty back in the day.
The Crooked House is now an antiques and interiors showroom, so you'll have to admire it from the outside.

It's time for tea at the 15th-century Swan Inn which is one of the most prominent historic buildings in Lavenham. Filled with oak beams and vaulted ceilings, the Gallery Restaurant is a romantic spot that will have you grabbing for your camera. Afternoon tea is a quintessential English experience that you should try at least once, with finger sandwiches, clotted cream scones, and homemade pastries all on offer.
Afternoon tea needs to be booked in advance. You can do that on the Swan Inn website or by calling 01787 247477. A smart-casual dress code is advised.
Afternoon Tea Hours: Monday - Saturday: 12:00 - 16:00 Sunday: 14:30 - 16:00

Before leaving lovely Lavenham, wander down Water Street to see De Vere House. Famed for being used as a filming location for the Harry Potter films you may recognise it as Godric's Hollow. Originally a 14th-century hall house, today this Grade I Listed building has been converted into a guest house.
You can't go inside, but seeing the exterior is one of the highlights of a visit to Lavenham.

Return to your car and continue to your next destination, which is the chocolate box village of Kersey.

There is on-road parking in the centre of Kersey, just beside the ford. Leave your car here and go and explore.

Known as one of the prettiest villages in England, Kersey was another settlement made rich by the wool trade. The timber-beamed houses and thatched cottages that line the road were built with the wealth from wool, and have changed little in appearance over time. Stop and take photos at the river ford, which is affectionately known locally as "The Splash". Then walk up to St. Mary's Church and turn around for sweeping views back over the village and surrounding countryside. See if you can find the grave of a notorious local highwayman while you're there! After visiting the church, stroll the length of the village and admire the colourful buildings and flower-filled gardens that make Kersey an icon of Suffolk.
The church is free to visit and is usually open during daylight hours.

Walk back to the car and drive down the road to Hadleigh for your evening meal.

For dinner, head to the charming village of Hadleigh, which isn't far from Kersey. This traditional 16th-century inn has bags of old world charm, with modern-day furnishings giving it contemporary appeal. The menu focuses on British classics and plenty of delicious Suffolk produce.
Reserving a table is advised as it's a popular place. You can make a booking and browse the menu on the King's Head website. On-street parking is available outside the King's Head.
Dining Hours: Monday - Saturday: 12:00 - 21:00 Sunday: 12:00 - 19:00

Your bed for the night is the boutique Salthouse Harbour Hotel located on the redeveloped Ipswich waterfront. The trendy interiors compliment the heritage of this traditional dockland building, with modern sculpture rubbing shoulders with maritime-themed art. Many rooms have views overlooking the marina, and if you want a leg stretch before bed it's the perfect location for an evening stroll.
There is a free car park on site for guests. Breakfast is included in the room rate.